Common TRX Mistakes and How To Fix Them

TRX, or Total-Body Resistance Exercise, tests your balance, strength and endurance with two ropes that hang from the ceiling and is becoming more and more popular in gyms, fitness studios and homes. It works muscles all over the body and can be done by a person of any fitness level. Whether you're a TRX novice or veteran, Daily Burn found 6 common mistakes that you can fix easily.

(Photo: Daily Burn)

Mistake #1: Starting Incorrectly

Beginning a movement with the body in the wrong position may result in an awkward tango with the suspension trainer. If you start a move too far from where it ends, it’s easy to lose tension in the straps and break a bone rather than a sweat.

The fix: “Begin at the end range of the motion to find out how much tension you need,” Grant says. “That way you have full tension throughout the whole movement.” For a bicep curl, for instance, line the body up at the end of the movement (arms curled with hands at the temples), then bend at the elbows and pull the body toward the anchor (where the TRX is attached).

When we start to feel tired, it’s a heck of a lot harder to stay stiff as a board. Unfortunately, sagging through the midsection — rather than engaging the core — can increase the risk of injury by compromising the stability in the lower back.

The fix: Be mindful of your body’s alignment. In a plank, for instance, staying aligned from the ankle to the knees to the hips all the way to the ears, puts the body in a safer position. Plus, you’ll get more out of the exercise. “By having those kinetic landmarks in line,” Grant says, “your core is engaged and has to work harder.”

There’s nothing worse than walking away from a workout with battle wounds. Scraping most often occurs during chest press when the straps rub against the arms and shoulders. “Your body wants to keep the straps right on the skin because it’s easier, but to have a more effective workout you need to keep those straps away from you,” Grant says.

The fix: This one’s simple — keep the straps from making direct contact with your skin. Easier said than done? Try to focus on using the stabilization muscles in your arms rather than resting the straps on any part of your body. Sometimes a simple adjustment, like moving the hands up a couple inches, can help keep the straps from touching.